The Energon Pub

[Rodimus Prime]

Personally, I'm still holding out for a titan, as impossible as it may seem. At this point I'll take a commander-sized version if they make it.

[SGMLordMirage]

Your welcome triKlops, I know it will be rewarding once your collection is set up and having a dedicated room. I remember way back when we where looking for a house, one of the rooms was already tagged as my “Transformer room”. So i am fortunate for that and for my wife allowing me to take up a room for my collection. Then finally getting to set it all up after i had retired from the military was even sweeter. I do wish you the best on that.

SGM

[triKlops]

Your welcome triKlops, I know it will be rewarding once your collection is set up and having a dedicated room. I remember way back when we where looking for a house, one of the rooms was already tagged as my “Transformer room”. So i am fortunate for that and for my wife allowing me to take up a room for my collection. Then finally getting to set it all up after i had retired from the military was even sweeter. I do wish you the best on that.

SGM

Well said and personally appreciated.
Thank you!

[Evil Eye]

I got a real treat in today- the Superlink version of Constructicon Maximus! I had Steamhammer as a kid, and getting the whole team is really satisfying. I'd forgotten what a cool and unique toy Steamhammer was.

Also, as they had basically no personalities from Hasbro (even from AVP!) I wrote some myself, notably making the limbs into girls.

TLDR:
Steamhammer: Smart guy cursed with awkward arm.
Duststorm: Total perfectionist.
Wideload: Self-conscious about her chassis.
Sledge: Cute and clumsy gardener girl.
Buckethead/Bonecrusher: Sporty tomboy.


The Secondary Constructicons/Team Decimator: An auxiliary team to the main Constructicons, smaller and slightly weaker than the “main” team but also more energy-efficient and far more mentally stable in combined mode. They consist of:
Steamhammer: The leader of the team (also the only male), Steamhammer’s true passion was codebreaking and communications, but alas a freak accident with a faulty data jack destroyed his left arm, and the only available replacement part was an excavator shovel, so he got put into engineering instead. He’s rather upset about that, but has managed to avoid falling into the Decepticon trap of relieving his stress through violence. Transforms into an excavator and forms Decimator’s torso.
Duststorm: An absolute perfectionist when it comes to building, Duststorm has aggressively high standards for construction (especially her own). Equipped with an X-ray vision scanner, she can analyse any structure for weaknesses or flaws in an instant. Whilst intended to help her find weak points in enemy fortifications, she usually uses it to see if her own structures are properly built- she has been known to meticulously dismantle and reassemble entire buildings if a single nail is in wonky. Transforms into a crane and forms a limb for Decimator (usually an arm).
Wideload: Despite having a relatively lightly built chassis (identical to Duststorm’s in fact), Wideload is extremely self-conscious about her weight, for reasons only Primus knows, though presumably her name has something to do with it. As a result, she has a minor refuelling disorder, and has been known to stasis lock after overexerting herself on not enough energy. On full power she can lift many times her own weight (hence the name), but thanks to this unfortunate complex, she’s rarely able to utilize it. Transforms into a crane and forms a limb for Decimator (usually an arm).
Sledge: A bit slow off the mark and rather clumsy, Sledge makes up for her shortcomings with her immense strength. She’s easily able to demolish even the toughest structures, sometimes even on purpose! Ironically enough she’s a very gentle spark and doesn’t really enjoy breaking things- she’s just rather good at it. She originally wanted to be a gardener rather than a builder, and has converted her engine to be as eco-friendly as possible. Transforms into a front-end loader and can form a limb for Decimator (usually a leg).
Buckethead: Originally named “Bonecrusher” before she realized that name was taken, Buckethead is the polar opposite of her chassis-sister Sledge. Whereas Sledge is slow and mild-mannered, Buckethead is short-tempered and overexcitable. She’s much faster than her build and altmode would suggest- before she got drafted into construction she wanted to be an athlete, and is excellent at galactic baseball, track and field (in both modes) and the traditional Decepticon sport of “Kaon Cricket” (which consists of hitting someone very hard and running away before they can get back up and hit you back). Transforms into a front-end loader and can form a limb for Decimator (usually a leg).
Decimator: The combined form of the Secondary Constructicons, Decimator is considerably easier to direct and more intelligent than Devastator, in part due to essentially being a “super mode” for Steamhammer (with the name “Decimator” mainly being used for official purposes rather than a separate personality). Able to operate for long periods of time in gestalt mode, and remarkably strong for his small size, he’s still considered more of a regular soldier than the living super-weapon status of Devastator. He usually uses the cranes as arms and front-end loaders as legs, though he can adopt any configuration he chooses- the loaders make for very good brute force weapons as arms, whilst the cranes work better in arm mode where dexterity is needed.

[SGMLordMirage]

Love it, thats an awesome depiction!

[Whifflefire]

A while ago I received a few more additions to my Cybertron collection - Mudflap and Leobreaker!

I'm pretty impressed with Mudflap. It boggles me that he was such a notorious shelfwarmer because he's a really unique figure. His transformation is cool, his articulation is surprisingly advanced (waist articulation that isn't necessary for the transformation?!) and his gimmicks are awesome. I can't get over that crane arm. The missile also packs quite a punch. I tinkered with the blaster a little to make it a little less wobbly, but other than that he was great, and a seriously underrated design.

Landmine! I don't want to stop at traffic lights!

Leobreaker is also nice to have, as he was such a prominent character in the show, but I had been less inclined to get him because I had heard criticism about the figure and I wouldn't be able to use Savage Claw Mode because I don't have Optimus. But even with the wonky arms and limited articulation, this figure has such a presence! He's so massive and well-detailed, and standing around he's quite imposing. Definitely an evolution of my old broken Overhaul.

Too bad I can't do Savage Claw Mo- Oh wait a minute, I can! The shoulder piece of Siege Galaxy Prime is able to fit Leobreaker's joint. He's way too heavy for Prime, but I was still able to have some fun recreating this pairing.

My hand is just out of frame holding down Prime's leg. He collapsed as soon as I let go!

[SGMLordMirage]

Mudflap is definitely a unique Transformer. I do not have him in my collection but have considered buying him for my Cybertron shelf. I do have Leobreaker, however i have never done his Savage Claw mode with Optimus, which i have. Not sure why i have never tried it but i guess i need to work on doing that. Pretty cool you where able to do that mode with Siege Galaxy Prime. Even if you had to hold him up, still nice pose.

Nice additions to your Cybertron collection!

SGM

[D-Maximal_Primal]

I still need to get that Mudflap mold in some capacity.

Leobreaker is a great concept, but he is definitely one of those that needs a new update, and badly

[TulioDude]

I greatly admire the Unicron Trilogy, mostly Armada, because of the cartoon. As someone who started with TF with Beast Wars, it was my first seeing a full blown Autobots vs Decepticons conflict (as far as I know , the other two Unicron trilogy shows didn't air here in Brazil)
It is a very creative era in Transformers. The designs are tied so thoroughly to their characters. The toys have such cool gimmicks. The mini-cons have become staples.
The line has very coesive aesthesic,making very stylized versions of real life vehicles.
I'm happy the Hasbro team is acknowledging Armada and its importance in the franchise (I remember seeing news of the team mentioning the 20th anniversary in the livestreams), the new Starscream looks pretty cool and hope to see more of what is in store.

Day 1000 of waiting for Transformers Armada Masterpiece news.

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

I still need to get that Mudflap mold in some capacity.

Leobreaker is a great concept, but he is definitely one of those that needs a new update, and badly

Or a 3P leg replacement kit (Seriously, there are FIVE color schemes you can sell it in, people...)


I love this mold's light piping. It works beautifully.

[Rodimus Prime]

I'm happy the Hasbro team is acknowledging Armada and its importance in the franchise (I remember seeing news of the team mentioning the 20th anniversary in the livestreams), the new Starscream looks pretty cool and hope to see more of what is in store.

We're getting Screamer, Megs and Hotshot (though sadly it's inferior to the Universe release) for sure, and the poster had Prime so he'll be the commander class most likely. I'm confident they will sell well, especially Prime. So it's reasonable to expect a leader Jetfire and commander (or maybe Titan? ) Tidal Wave, followed by the less prominent characters. The Jhiaxus mold would be an easy retool into Thrust, and there are all the Powerlinx repaints.

Day 1000 of waiting for Transformers Armada Masterpiece news.

You think we'll make it to 2000?

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

Decided to look at that... And now I have to laugh. Legacy Hot Shot is far superior to the Universe version except probably in terms of size. He's more accurate, he has shoulders that aren't permanently hunched in against his head, his shoulder area looks less messy, he doesn't force you to buy a more expensive foreign version if you want weapons, and he actually has the axlezooka. He is also free of references to tacky fan material that doesn't deserve referencing.

[Rodimus Prime]

Decided to look at that... And now I have to laugh. Legacy Hot Shot is far superior to the Universe version except probably in terms of size. He's more accurate, he has shoulders that aren't permanently hunched in against his head, his shoulder area looks less messy, he doesn't force you to buy a more expensive foreign version if you want weapons, and he actually has the axlezooka. He is also free of references to tacky fan material that doesn't deserve referencing.

Hey to each his own. You want to get hung up on pissy little details like that, it's on you. The only thing this version has on Universe is the axle weapon. That in itself isn't worth it to buy the figure to me. If it is to you, good for you. Enjoy.

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Day 1000 of waiting for Transformers Armada Masterpiece news.

You think we'll make it to 2000?

I do. I think we are still a ways away from Armada MPs

[Emerje]

Decided to look at that... And now I have to laugh. Legacy Hot Shot is far superior to the Universe version except probably in terms of size. He's more accurate, he has shoulders that aren't permanently hunched in against his head, his shoulder area looks less messy, he doesn't force you to buy a more expensive foreign version if you want weapons, and he actually has the axlezooka. He is also free of references to tacky fan material that doesn't deserve referencing.

His inability to bend his knees thanks to the windshield being placed up the back of his legs doesn't bother you? Armada Hot Shot is just destined to be a figure prone to compromises.

Emerje

[M. Spector]

Leo Breaker! Ah nosteliga, i still have mine tucked in the lower part of my older Tformers bin. He is really a lovely figure, yet also a deeply weird one. Some interesting choices, compromises perhaps, where certainly made between the design and the finished product

And also, if youve never tried turning him into an arm and attaching it to the OG Galaxy Force OP, please try it at least once. I think the Sonic Wing mode or whatever it was called defiantly was the stronger super mode combination, still cool tho

[Whifflefire]

Leo Breaker! Ah nosteliga, i still have mine tucked in the lower part of my older Tformers bin. He is really a lovely figure, yet also a deeply weird one. Some interesting choices, compromises perhaps, where certainly made between the design and the finished product

And also, if youve never tried turning him into an arm and attaching it to the OG Galaxy Force OP, please try it at least once. I think the Sonic Wing mode or whatever it was called defiantly was the stronger super mode combination, still cool tho

Even Leobreaker agreed that Sonic Wing Mode was cooler than Savage Claw Mode!

One of my top Transformers "holy grails" is a version of the Cybertron Leader Optimus mold so I can do the proper Savage Claw mode as well as Sonic Wing Mode (although I'd be ding it with Wingblade, Wing Saber's 2007 mold-mate, who is similar enough to 'Saber that I don't feel the need to get him as well).

[TulioDude]

We're getting Screamer, Megs and Hotshot (though sadly it's inferior to the Universe release) for sure, and the poster had Prime so he'll be the commander class most likely. I'm confident they will sell well, especially Prime. So it's reasonable to expect a leader Jetfire and commander (or maybe Titan? ) Tidal Wave, followed by the less prominent characters. The Jhiaxus mold would be an easy retool into Thrust, and there are all the Powerlinx repaints.

Titan Tidal Wave would be awesome!

Would you guys want a new Jetfire and Overload with the new Prime?

Day 1000 of waiting for Transformers Armada Masterpiece news.

You think we'll make it to 2000?

I do. I think we are still a ways away from Armada MPs

While I think we gonna have many G1 Masterpiece getting made, HasTak has show they are willing to start a new lineup, before completing the one they have made. Like they haven't completed season 1 or 2 of G1 before doing Beast Wars, and they havent completed Beast Wars before doing the Movies, so an Armada Masterpiece doesn't seen so far fetched.

Day 1008 of waiting for Transformers Armada Masterpiece news.

[Emerje]

Would you guys want a new Jetfire and Overload with the new Prime?

Absolutely, without a doubt! I'd want Jetfire to be a Leader to give Prime some proper height and Overload to be a Voyager equivalent to a Weaponizer so we can get his proper canon mode and maybe some new ones plus his Minicon.

Emerje

[Rodimus Prime]

If we do get Armada Prime at commander class, I wonder if his trailer at least will be a retool of Motormaster's, or will he require an all new mold.

[D-Maximal_Primal]

If we do get Armada Prime at commander class, I wonder if his trailer at least will be a retool of Motormaster's, or will he require an all new mold.

Can't see how he wouldn't be a new mold.

And I will agree, Jetfire and Overload are required to be made if Armada Prime is actually done!

[Overcracker]

If we do get Armada Prime at commander class, I wonder if his trailer at least will be a retool of Motormaster's, or will he require an all new mold.

There's no way for it to be a retool of Motromasters trailer. Armada Prime works completely differently than what Motormaster does.

The trailer is just legs. Arms torso and power up head, come form the truck cab, at least if they retain the general function of Armada Prime.

I would not mind a Jetfire. and Overload either.

[Emerje]

To say nothing of all of the retail Commanders being unique molds so far. Also, to curb expectations, there's no reason to believe his Super Mode will be much bigger than our largest modern leader, just with a higher parts count. Definitely won't be Combiner sized.

Emerje

[Overcracker]

To say nothing of all of the retail Commanders being unique molds so far. Also, to curb expectations, there's no reason to believe his Super Mode will be much bigger than our largest modern leader, just with a higher parts count. Definitely won't be Combiner sized.

Emerje

I agree, it won't be combiner sized, But just going by the current Commanders and their trailers, I think he may end up a bit taller than modern leaders.
Definitely taller than Blitzwing for example. Maybe taller than BW Megatron.

Around 11" tall would be my guess.

[Rodimus Prime]

To say nothing of all of the retail Commanders being unique molds so far. Also, to curb expectations, there's no reason to believe his Super Mode will be much bigger than our largest modern leader, just with a higher parts count. Definitely won't be Combiner sized.

Emerje

I agree, it won't be combiner sized, But just going by the current Commanders and their trailers, I think he may end up a bit taller than modern leaders.
Definitely taller than Blitzwing for example. Maybe taller than BW Megatron.

Around 11" tall would be my guess.

Well we couldn't really compare him to Blitzwing anyway, he was sold at leader price because of the engineering, not his size. Likewise Armada Prime will most likely be a leader-sized figure combined even though he will be sold at commander price, due to all the features the trailer will have, assuming they stay faithful to the original, like they did with Starscream.